Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2020

It turns out that modern kitchen decor really can be black and white. While one of last year’s big trends was an all-black palette in the kitchen, a popular middle ground is to use black – especially matte black – hardware and accents to invigorate your design with a new neutral.

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As gorgeous and fresh as an all-white kitchen can be, more and more people are now craving a splash of brightness. The answer? Colourful cabinetry. From ultra-vivid pops of colour to fresh takes on retro pastels, colour in the kitchen is the latest way to cheer up your cooking space.

Related: These Drool-Worthy Kitchens Make a Case for Colourful Cabinets

One of the best ways to highlight a beautiful backsplash? Add some subtle shelving for a touch of contrast – and functionality. By incorporating open shelving into your kitchen backsplash, you can play with subtle decor elements (think a rotating mix of framed photos, beautiful wood cutting boards and greenery).

Related: 40 Brilliant Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas for Your Next Reno

While there’s something to be said for a statement-making range hood, it can take away from the look of a modern, sleek kitchen – which is why concealed range hoods are on the rise. Whether you match the colour to the kitchen cabinetry or you completely mimic the cabinets, hidden hoods create a seamless aesthetic – while still letting the kitchen breathe with proper ventilation.

One of the easiest ways to create major visual impact in your kitchen is to go for a two-tone cabinet design. There are endless combinations: go for a neutral hue on the upper cabinets and a contrast colour on bottom cabinets – or play with a unique or monochromatic colour palette for a bolder look.

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As much as we love the classic look of rectangular subway tiles, it may be time to try some new shapes when it comes to kitchen backsplashes. Unique tile shapes add dimension, style and a touch of distinctive charm to a modern kitchen. From hexagon tiles to herringbone or even more intricate floral designs, there are plenty of ways to get off the subway this year.

Minimalists

, rejoice – one of the biggest-impact up-and-coming kitchen trends takes “less is more” to the next level by saying no to upper cabinets. While having no upper cabinets prompts more creative storage solutions, it also creates an unprecedented clean-lined look in the kitchen. Another bonus? It’s a great way to show off a particularly stunning or unique backsplash.

Want to go even more minimalist with your kitchen design? You can’t get more minimal than nothing at all – at least when it comes to cabinet handles. This clean-lined kitchen trend eschews hardware for sleek cabinets with cut-out handles or touch-release closures.

If the minimalist trend doesn’t excite you (or if you simply need some serious storage in the kitchen), you can always take a spin in the opposite direction with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. This trend works best in spaces that can accommodate a large centre island (after all: what’s storage without some space to chop?).

Related: 25 Show-Stopping Kitchen Islands You’ll Want to Replicate

With more and more kitchens moving away from the gleam of stainless steel appliances, there are other ways to add some shine into your kitchen design – like by incorporating mirrored, glossy and metallic finishes into your backsplash design.

One of the biggest – pardon the pun – trends in backsplashes comes down to tile size. Moving away from subway tiles or smaller tiles, many designers are using larger slabs of materials like marble or quartz to create kitchen backsplashes. The result? A smoother, more clean-lined look.

Let’s face it: it’s not always in the budget to completely gut your kitchen. While replacing or refinishing cabinetry is a classic, quick route to a refresh, there’s another way to majorly change the look of your kitchen without the hammer – switch up the lighting. From swapping out light fixtures to installing under-cabinet lighting, playing with light is a glowing option for 2020.

Related: 24 Small Kitchen Design Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

Who says things need to stay the same? Forget the same-same hardware and go for a mix of handles and knobs – think different shapes, different colours or even different materials – for a subtle twist on the conventional.

Related: 10 Ways to Totally Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

Sometimes, it just takes a little change in perspective to make a big impact. Case in point? Subway tiles. Vertically stacked subways tiles use the same materials and techniques as classic horizontal subway-tile backsplashes, but create a dramatically different look.

From cabinets to countertops to backsplashes to flooring, there are plenty of opportunities to incorporate more sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the kitchen. Or, make what’s old new (and stylish) again by incorporating upcycled and repurposed wood and materials into your design.